Hyundai ix35 SUV recalled in Australia over faulty airbags

South Korean automaker Hyundai is recalling 32,525 units of ix35, Australiaâ€™s top selling small SUV, over faulty airbags in steering wheel. This is, in fact, the second recall of the same model during the year and is part of a total of 137,500 Hyundai models being recalled globally.

Hyundai is recalling all ix35 units produced during the period January 2011 to December 2013 due to faults in driverâ€™s side air bag module retention bolt which could be incorrectly tensioned in steering wheel. This may, in turn, affect operation of the horn and deployment of airbag. This recall follows 6,193 units of ix35 SUV recalled in January over faulty seatbelt pre-tensioners.

Though there have been no reports of any untoward incidents, accidents or injuries to customers, in Australia, they have reported to have noted a rattle in the steering wheel, prompting the company to take immediate steps to rectify the faults. This will not unnecessarily result in deployment of airbag, but the effectiveness of airbag will be reduced in the event of the bolt not properly aligned.

Owners of these Hyundai ix35 SUVs have been sent letters and instructed to take their vehicles to nearest Hyundai service dealers who have been issued an order to inspect and repair the problems free of charge.